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Abstract

The primary aim of this study is to develop guidelines that can be used to introduce HIV/AIDS education to high school students in southern rural areas in India. During the 2003-2004 academic year, the Karnataka State AIDS Prevention Society mandated that all high schools in the state implement an HIV/AIDS workshop formulated by the Karnataka state government. My research question examined: What are guidelines to effectively implement HIV/AIDS education at the high school level in southern rural India? To gather evidence, a qualitative case study was conducted which included fifteen in-depth, open-ended interviews, field notes and observations, document analysis, and an extensive literature review. After data collection was complete, the interviews were examined using a tool called an Affinity Diagram. Subsequently, the data was cross-referenced through of process of triangulation in which relevant patterns and themes emerged. The findings revealed that HIV/AIDS education in southern rural India is a culturally-loaded topic requiring sensitive and site-specific instruction for effective awareness education. Several guidelines were developed to facilitate HIV/AIDS education in this region. Guidelines included: adequate teacher training, thorough program planning, incorporation of small class size, separation of boys and girls, and comprehensive HIV/AIDS education. Additionally, as a result of HIV/AIDS education, students' self-efficacy regarding HIV/AIDS prevention behaviors should increase.